Chapter 26: Snowmobile

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Option 1: Capable men are most appealing to women. Loudly tell Himeko, "Leave the snowmobile repair to me." — Completion Reward: Snowmobile Maintenance and Driving Skills.

Option 2: It's best not to invite unnecessary trouble: "Let's forget about it." — Completion Reward: A Salted Fish, exceptionally delicious whether cooked or eaten dried.

Option 3: Playing the freeloader might be a viable choice: "Himeko, I don't know how to fix vehicles, can you help?" — Completion Reward: Himeko's Eyeball Roll.

After reviewing all three options, Bochang made his decision without hesitation, opting for Option 1.

"Leave the snowmobile repair to me!" exclaimed the confident black-haired youth.

As soon as he spoke those words, the system's voice chimed in his ear:

[Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have acquired Snowmobile Maintenance and Driving Skills.]

Instantaneously, a wealth of unfamiliar knowledge flooded Bochang's mind.

"Oh? You really know how to repair snowmobiles?" Himeko's expression showed genuine interest; she had merely mentioned it casually, never expecting him to accept the task. "In that case, go to the warehouse and search for the snowmobile. The repair tools can be found there as well. If you can't locate the warehouse or the snowmobile, ask Pom-Pom—it knows everything about the train."

Indeed, Pom-Pom had once stated that on this train, no one's actions could escape its watchful eyes.

As a constant presence aboard the Astral Express, this lop-eared rabbit possessed some Enigmata powers.

"I'm not entirely sure if I can fix it, but I feel it's worth giving a try." Bochang wasn't speaking without reason.

Himeko smiled and nodded. Following her guidance, Bochang promptly sought out Pom-Pom, which was more than happy to assist.

Together, the tall figure of Bochang and the smaller Pom-Pom swiftly made their way to the warehouse. There they found the abandoned snowmobile—a snow scooter... Its front end was completely dented, with parts scattered haphazardly nearby, indicating a severe accident at some point.

"Passenger March 7th is great, just a bit careless. Ever since she arrived on the Astral Express, quite a few items have been damaged or rendered useless. If you can fix everything, Pom-Pom would be very happy." The lop-eared rabbit in red uniform turned to look at Bochang.

Due to their height difference,

Pom-Pom had to tilt its head back to gaze up at him.

Similarly, Bochang needed to lower his head to see Pom-Pom clearly. In response to Pom-Pom's request, the black-haired youth gave an ambiguous answer: "I can give it a try, but don't hold too much hope."

"That's alright, Pom-Pom appreciates your willingness to help," the lop-eared rabbit nodded slightly. "From now on, this task is in your hands. If you need anything, feel free to call for Pom-Pom. Additionally... once everyone is ready to depart, I will notify you so you won't be left behind on the train."

With that, Pom-Pom departed.

Alone, Bochang examined the broken snowmobile. Drawing upon his knowledge, he located the necessary tools nearby and promptly began the repairs with fervor.

The incessant tinkling sounds echoed continuously.

After some time,

Bochang finally fixed the snowmobile, unconsciously wiping away nonexistent sweat from his forehead.

"I didn't expect you to know how to repair vehicles..." March 7th's voice came from behind him. "Is it fixed now?"

"Yes, it's all set. Would you like to give it a try?"

Bochang turned around, noticing the sudden appearance of March 7th and Stelle.

These two girls had been together the entire time.

Perhaps due to their shared age group, their bond had quickly grown stronger.

March 7th asked, "Can I?"

"Of course, as long as you promise not to break it," Bochang replied, wagging his index finger.

Bochang wagged her index finger.

March 7th's eyes widened defiantly. "I won't damage it, I promise!"

"But I heard from Himeko and Pom-Pom... that you were the one who wrecked this snowmobile before. Not only that, but it seems you also..."

Unrelenting, Bochang exposed March 7th's past mishap. With an awkward smile, March 7th responded, "Ah... well, let's skip this topic, shall we? Just move on..."

"Fine."

Bochang spread her hands, feigning helplessness.

As they looked at the repaired snowmobile,

March 7th eagerly climbed onto it to test it out, even beckoning Stelle to join her. Although the gray-haired girl felt somewhat apprehensive, she didn't decline.

The snowmobile was designed for two riders.

With some squeezing, it could indeed accommodate a third person.

However, it was clear that no one intended to invite Bochang along.

With March 7th gripping the handlebars and leaning forward, Stelle behind her reached out to gently rest her hands on March's slender shoulders.

The scene unfolding before them was quite pleasing to the eye.

"Ready? We're about to set off!"

As she spoke, March 7th twisted the throttle grip.

The snowmobile began moving slowly across the ground.

After testing it for a short distance within the vast warehouse, March 7th waved and said, "Bochang, I'll head straight out with the snowmobile now. You should join us too; we're departing for the Jarilo VI."

And with that...

March 7th forcefully turned the throttle grip, sending the snowmobile speeding away.

Bochang rested his forehead in one hand, hoping they wouldn't damage the freshly repaired snowmobile.

Exiting the warehouse,

it wasn't long before Bochang encountered Dan Heng. He expressed his gratitude, "Thank you so much for fixing the snowmobile. Now it seems we have transportation for our journey to the Jarilo. At least we won't have to proceed entirely on foot."

Although their walking speeds were swift, not significantly slower than the snowmobile at its maximum velocity—

still...

having a means of transportation would undoubtedly be more convenient and preferred by everyone. After all, humans do tire easily.

"It's unfortunate that the snowmobile can only accommodate two people. Even if we squeezed, three would be the absolute limit... And with four of us, there's no way it can fit everyone." Bochang shrugged.

As they walked through the train corridor, the conversation continued between them.

"Hmm... indeed, that is a problem, but it's better than having nothing at all." Dan Heng furrowed his brows momentarily before relaxing them again. "Let's discuss more serious matters now. I conducted preliminary reconnaissance earlier and discovered that only one area on this planet has relatively normal temperatures... However, 'normal' here means just barely suitable for human survival."

"I've decided our upcoming Trailblazing journey should start from that location. What do you think?"

Dan Heng sought Bochang's opinion, to which the black-haired youth replied, "I'm merely a novice, not familiar with your work. Dan Heng, you should decide what's best. Also... you mentioned teaching me gun techniques, when will we begin?"

"There's no rush. Let's talk about it once we reach Jarilo," Dan Heng said, his face expressionless and tone matter-of-fact. "Generally speaking, these missions take considerable time to complete. Once we arrive, we'll have ample time."

"Alright, understood."

Bochang nodded in agreement.